“I just had a good day," said Sutil. "The car has been increasingly competitive over the past few races, especially in Spa. At the moment – P3 in the morning, and now P1 – it gives me a very good feeling and I’m absolutely confident that the car will be able to achieve a very good qualifying position.

“It’s no game. You have to push. It’s hard to get to P1, but if everything is right and you feel good in the car, then there’s no reason why you can’t get there.

“I think I’ve got the experience to go out and be quick, and that’s what I’m doing right now.”

Spa winner Kimi Raikkonen was eighth, while team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella was slowest of all in the second Ferrari - although he was a respectable 0.8s down on the Finn.